This bill mandates that certain places of public assembly and youth athletic events in New Jersey must have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site to enhance emergency response capabilities for cardiac events. Specifically, it requires the owner or operator of each public assembly venue, defined as facilities accommodating at least 1,000 people, to acquire and maintain at least one AED, ensure it is easily accessible, and develop a cardiac event response protocol. Additionally, municipal or county recreation departments and nonprofit youth organizations sponsoring youth athletic events must also have an AED available during such events held on their home fields. Compliance can be achieved if a certified emergency services provider is present with an AED.

The bill also establishes civil penalties for non-compliance, with fines escalating for repeated violations. It provides immunity from civil liability for the owners, operators, and employees of public assembly venues, as well as for recreation departments and youth organizations, in relation to the acquisition and use of AEDs. This immunity extends to situations where an AED malfunctions, provided it has been maintained according to the manufacturer's guidelines. The Commissioner of Health is tasked with adopting necessary regulations to implement these provisions, which will take effect six months after enactment.